Rising Stars Shine at APP State Badminton Finale

The 2nd APP State Badminton Championship came to an exciting conclusion in Itanagar on Sunday, leaving players and fans with plenty of memories—and a clear sense that badminton in Arunachal Pradesh is on a strong upward trajectory.Organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board, the week-long tournament was staged at the Police Gymnasium Hall. More than 100 shuttlers from districts across the state competed fiercely across multiple age and skill categories, reflecting both the popularity of the sport and the emergence of fresh talent.The finals on the last day saw a packed audience cheering for their favorites. In the men’s singles, Taba Tagio clinched the title after an electrifying three-game duel, displaying relentless energy and tactical precision. His opponent, Koj Tari, put up a valiant fight and forced several long rallies, but Tagio’s experience ultimately proved decisive.Among the women, Marmi Riba emerged champion in the singles category, overcoming promising youngster Jumte Yangzom in straight games. Riba’s crisp smashes and confident net play made her one of the standout performers of the tournament.Young shuttlers also made their mark. The under-15 and under-13 finals were particularly heartening for spectators, who applauded the skill and composure shown by children barely in their teens. Coaches and officials noted that such exposure to competitive matches would go a long way in building a stronger badminton culture across Arunachal.Speaking at the closing ceremony, Director General of Police Anand Mohan presented the trophies and congratulated all participants. He emphasized that sports events like these not only promote fitness and discipline but also help bring communities together.

“The response has been fantastic, and the level of play is improving every year,” he said. “Our aim is to keep providing platforms where young players can test themselves and aspire to represent Arunachal at the national level.”Organizers also thanked volunteers, sponsors, and the technical team for making the championship a success. With rising interest and new talent shining through, the 2nd APP State Badminton Championship has set the stage for an even bigger and better edition in the years to come.